Government approves Tasmanian fish farm

Federal government approval of the controversial Tassal fish farm on Tasmania's east coast may be met with legal action from conservationists.

The Okehampton Bay farm, slated to operate at a capacity of 800,000 fish, was granted environmental approval on Wednesday though the Environmental Protection and Biodviersity Conversation (EPBC) process.

Tassal is hoping to have fish in the water by the end of August in what they say is the biggest eco-aquaculture site in the nation.

It plans to also grow and harvest seaweed near the 28 underwater pens to reduce potentially damaging nitrogen levels in the water.

Environment Tasmania says the farm is too close to the calving grounds of endangered southern right whales and has flagged legal action against the EPBC's decision.

ET strategy director Laura Kelly indicated a judicial review or civil action were options once the group sighted details of the Department of Environment's decision.

She said the approval goes against the federal government's own management plan for the species.